Vance says Iran agrees to allow IAEA inspectors back this week

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Iran has agreed to resume international nuclear inspections, as Washington and Tehran continue follow-up talks after signing a memorandum of understanding on ending hostilities.

Speaking to reporters at the Bürgenstock Resort in Lucerne, Switzerland, Vance said Iran had agreed to invite International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country.

"This is a significant development for the American people and a first step toward permanently denuclearizing — or permanently ending — Iran's nuclear weapons program," Vance said.

He added that the inspectors are expected to return this week, and that their arrival could come as early as Monday.

Vance also said the two sides had laid "an excellent foundation" for reaching a final agreement.

He dismissed reports that the Iranian delegation had walked out of the negotiations, saying working-level talks would continue over the coming weeks. The United States and Iran had earlier held a first round of high-level negotiations in Lucerne spanning two days and one night.